interaction
Americannoun
-
reciprocal action, effect, or influence.
-
Physics.
-
the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another.
-
the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.
-
noun
-
a mutual or reciprocal action or influence
-
physics the transfer of energy between elementary particles, between a particle and a field, or between fields See strong interaction electromagnetic interaction fundamental interaction gravitational interaction weak interaction electroweak interaction
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of interaction
Explanation
If you interact with someone — by talking, looking, sharing, or engaging in any kind of action that involves the two of you — you can be said to have had an interaction with that person. Interaction comes from Latin inter meaning "between," and ago meaning "to do" or "to act" — any “action between” is considered an interaction, like the interaction between a teacher and a student, two countries, or even baking soda and vinegar (boom!).
Vocabulary lists containing interaction
Power Prefix: inter-
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Common Core Grade 6, List 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Common Core Grades 7–8, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Training a robot on the intricate timing of initiating interaction with a new person is an “enormously hard” problem, says Pope.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
I also badly underestimated the impact that age-estimation would have on social interaction on Roblox, and that it would drag on through the year.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
By adjusting the frequencies, phases, and strengths of the applied forces, they could control which interaction appeared while minimizing unwanted effects.
From Science Daily • May 1, 2026
Under a $1.6-million annual contract with the city, a nonprofit group called Dogs Playing for Life ensures that shelter dogs get out of their kennels for walks, play time with other canines and human interaction.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
This deprives children of much of the freedom and interaction and development that can occur during free time with each other and with their own selves.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
